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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into England’s best team, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a risk he would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold recently. Practically he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means it's unclear on if England operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the team structure and clarity lately, building with a holding player, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and guided Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. But if he is willing to offer him the central position is still uncertain.